Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in portland, OR

Two walks to take this Spring with children

April 20, 2009

Instead of returning to the traditional haunts of the mall or indoor play areas, venture out with your little ones to some of the amazing natural areas that are ripe for exploration this time of year. My family is making a point to pick new outside destinations each weekend to spend time among plants, sky, and nature and just quietly observe what surrounds us. It has been a special way to connect and learn together! (Next week, I will be writing about two more urban walks.)

Reed Canyon is an undiscovered treasure right in the middle of Southeast Portland that is teeming with plants, bugs, birds, and the occasional fish. The school grounds and main bridge through campus are easily stroller accessible. The trails that travel under the bridge and around the canyon are best traveled by foot as there are steep stairs. Low wooden walkways offer opportunities for close-up observation of native plants. On our recent walk, we set our daughter free with a camera and let her capture ducks, skunk cabbage, and different flowers she found blooming. There are lots of nice quiet spots for a quick snack or rest, and even a fish ladder! This serene oasis is easily accessible by the #19 Woodstock bus and the Reed Canyon website offers a listing of plants and animals to look for, a useful map, and even videos to preview what you'll find there. Heart of Reed Campus (32nd and SE Woodstock)

Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is tucked below Milwaukie Avenue in Southeast Portland and is perfect for bike riding, dog walking, and bird watching. The main path is suitable for strollers and you can walk off along smaller paths by foot. For kids with a bit of stamina, you can hook up with the East Bank Esplanade and keep on riding. Check out some bird identification books from the library and see how many you can spot on your walk. Look for woodpeckers and heron! We've seen an amazing osprey's nest along the paved bike path, and baby ducks, tadpoles, and some spectacular spiders during our Oaks Bottom strolls. Look up the hill to see a huge mural of wildlife on the west side of the Portland Memorial Mausoleum and make sure to keep an eye out for bikers in a hurry.  (SE 7th Ave & Sellwood Blvd)  Read more...